“What GPA do I need to get into medical school?” This is another very popular question, yet again, the answer to this question isn’t completely straight-forward. Generally speaking, you need at least a 3.4 cumulative GPA in order to be sorted into the potential interview pile at allopathic schools. That isn’t always the case, but if your GPA is just past a 3.0, then you will seriously need to beef up the rest of your application. That includes scoring well on the MCAT, being involved in extracurricular and volunteer activities, holding a good job, and doing research. Unfortunately, if you have below a 2.8 GPA, you are usually prohibited from applying to medical school altogether.

Average GPAs for matriculated medical students at most allopathic schools was a 3.67 cumulative GPA and 3.61 science GPA in 2010. Click here for more comprehensive data on medical school applicants, matriculation, and average GPA and MCAT scores. For osteopathic students, the average cumulative GPA for matriculating students is about 3.5 and the average science GPA is about a 3.4, but it varies some from school to school. While you can get into medical school with a 3.3 GPA, it can be very difficult. Feel free to refer to the College tab to see how else you can better your chances of getting into medical school, and keep in mind the trusty golden formula for getting into medical school:

“What MCAT score do I need to get into medical school?” There isn’t a cut-and-dry answer to this question. On average, those accepted to allopathic schools have MCAT scores between 30 and 31. Of course, if you want to get into Hopkins or Yale, your score needs to be kickin’ - more like a 36+. For osteopathic schools, the average MCAT score is around 26, depending on the school. Although your MCAT score is one of the most important determining factors on whether you can get into medical school, medical schools also seriously consider your undergrad activity. They look at other variables, including your volunteer and extracurricular experience, letters of recommendation, past jobs, research experience, and GPA. You can do worse in one of these areas and make up for it in another. I know a number of friends who have low MCAT scores but high GPAs who have gotten into medical school. Feel free to refer to the College to Medical School tab to see how else you can better your chances of getting into medical school.

The MCAT has the following four sections in chronological order: verbal reasoning, physical sciences, 2 writing samples, and biological sciences. The essay section is scored with a letter, ranging from J (lowest) to T (highest). You can score anywhere from 1 to 15 in each of the VR, PS, and BS sections. Getting a 15 in each would give you the highest possible MCAT score, a 45. Keep in mind that a 40 MCAT already ranks you in the top 99.9 percentile. Ideally, you want to get a 10 or 11 in each section in order to be considered a competitive applicant. Click here to see a comprehensive breakdown of MCAT statistics for 2010 test takers.

Studying properly for the MCAT is essential to improving your chance of getting into medical school. You need to make yourself a strict schedule and learn essential strategies in order to get that great MCAT score. Check out this 75-Day MCAT Schedule to start planning, and read up on these MCAT Study Guide 109 Tips and Strategies, to learn how to attack this test with bared teeth. You can do this!

In summary, weigh out your variables appropriately; here is the golden, multi-variable equation that gets you into Medical School::

Experience = volunteer, extracurricular, occupation, research.